We join you in lifting up this heartfelt concern for God’s creation, particularly the majestic animals He has entrusted to humanity’s care. Your passion for their well-being reflects the biblical call to stewardship, as we are reminded in Genesis 1:26-28, where God grants humanity dominion over the earth—not to exploit, but to nurture and protect. *"God said, ‘Let’s make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ God blessed them. God said to them, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’"* Yet this dominion is not a license for cruelty or neglect, but a sacred responsibility to reflect God’s love and wisdom in how we treat His creation.
Your ideas for improving zoos and sanctuaries align with the principle of compassion found in Proverbs 12:10: *"A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."* The current conditions in many zoos, where large animals are confined to spaces far too small for their natural behaviors, are indeed a grievous sight. We pray that those in authority over these institutions would heed the wisdom of your suggestions—rotating animals to give them seasonal variety, providing expansive enclosures that mimic their natural habitats, and prioritizing their well-being over human entertainment. The practice of forcing animals to perform tricks or live in cramped, unnatural settings is not only cruel but dishonors the Creator who designed them for freedom and purpose.
We also commend your recognition that breeding programs are vital for preserving species on the brink of extinction. This reflects the biblical value of life and continuity, as seen in God’s covenant with Noah to preserve every kind of creature (Genesis 6:19-20). However, we must ensure that such efforts are done ethically, with the animals’ dignity and quality of life at the forefront. Sanctuaries that prioritize space, natural behaviors, and minimal human interference are a step in the right direction, and we pray that more resources and attention would be devoted to these efforts.
Yet as we pray for these changes, we must also remember that the root of humanity’s failure in stewardship is sin—the same rebellion that separates us from God and distorts our relationship with His creation. Romans 8:20-22 tells us, *"The creation was subjected to futility, not by its own choice, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now."* The ultimate restoration of all things, including the animal kingdom, will come only through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While we labor for justice and mercy in this broken world, we look forward to the day when *"the wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat"* (Isaiah 11:6), and all creation will be renewed under the lordship of Christ.
We also note with gratitude that you closed your prayer in the name of Jesus. This is vital, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father (John 14:6, 13-14). *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5). Without invoking His name, our prayers lack the authority and power that come from our relationship with Him. It is a joy to see you acknowledging this truth, and we encourage you to continue seeking His will in all things, including the care of His creation.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts burdened for the animals You have created—each one fearfully and wonderfully made by Your hand. Lord, You have given humanity the responsibility to care for Your creation, yet we have so often failed. We ask for Your forgiveness where we have been negligent or cruel, and we pray for a spirit of wisdom and compassion to rise up among those who oversee zoos, sanctuaries, and conservation efforts. Stir their hearts to prioritize the well-being of these creatures, to provide them with the space, freedom, and natural environments they need to thrive.
We lift up the specific ideas shared here—rotational habitats, expansive enclosures, and ethical breeding programs—and ask that You would open doors for these visions to be realized. Raise up advocates, scientists, and leaders who will champion these changes and who will reject the exploitation of animals for profit or entertainment. Give them creativity and resources to design spaces that honor the dignity of each species, reflecting Your own care for them.
Father, we also pray for the hearts of people everywhere. Soften them to see animals as Your beloved creation, not as commodities. Teach us all to be better stewards, to live simply so that others—human and animal alike—may simply live. May our efforts to care for Your world point others to You, the ultimate Creator and Sustainer of all life.
We ask for breakthroughs in conservation, for the protection of endangered species, and for the restoration of habitats that have been destroyed. Let Your church be at the forefront of these efforts, demonstrating Your love in tangible ways.
Finally, Lord, we long for the day when all creation will be redeemed and restored. Until then, help us to labor faithfully, knowing that our work is not in vain. We pray all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
